Female mountain lion P-39 is seen feeding on a mule deer with her kittens in the Santa Susana Mountains in 2015. P-39 was killed by a vehicle on the 118 Freeway in Chatsworth on Dec. 3, 2016, according to wildlife biologists with the National Park Service. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service) (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

Two of the kittens from the P-50, P-51, and P-52 litter that have been traveling with P-39. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

A second litter was found with three cubs, P-50, P-51 and P-52 -- two males and one female. Their mother is P-39, and again, the father is suspected to be P-38. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

Two of the kittens from the litter including P-50, P-51 and P-52 are seen in this photo. Their mother is P-39, and their father is suspected to be P-38. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

Mom digs in while one of her kittens looks on. Because biologists estimate her age at only 3-4 years old, it's possible this is P-39's first litter of kittens.

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

P-14 in a tree. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Freeway going through Liberty Canyon. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Measuring canine of P10. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

P-46 and P-47. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

A mountain lion paw gets examined. National Park Service staff recording data on a mountain lion. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

National Park Service staff recording data on a mountain lion. Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains face the possibility of extinction. Currently the population is vigorous, with stable population growth and healthy rates of survival and reproduction. The mountain lions are isolated from natural areas by freeways and development which could ultimately result in the population going extinct. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

The mountain lions of Los Angeles and surrounding areas -- at least the ones we know about -- wear tracking devices and have names and numbers that begin with "P." We see their images as captured by remote cameras in the relative wilderness areas they call home, which are often surprisingly close to urban and suburban areas of the city and its environs. Recently, the cougar known as P-45 has been targeted -- literally -- with a state-issued kill permit after the big cat allegedly killed 10 alpacas and other animals in Malibu.